How to install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide with a guarantee of success

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its capabilities are limited to stock firmware MIUI. Getting root rights opens up access to hidden functions from uninstalling system applications to installing custom firmware. However, the process requires care — one mistake can turn a phone into a “brick”.

In this guide, we will discuss three officially supported methods for obtaining root rights to Redmi 8 (codenamed olive): through Magisk (recommended method), using SuperSU (for older versions of Android), and an alternative option through KingRoot (with risks). Each stage is accompanied by screenshots, commands for ADB and advice on how to eliminate common mistakes, such as FASTBOOT: Unknown command or hanging on the Mi logo.

Important: the procedure voids warranty and can lead to data loss.If you use Redmi 8 as your primary phone, back up via Mi Cloud or TWRP before manipulation begins - this is the only way to restore contacts and messages if a crash occurs.

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking

Before you start getting root rights, make sure your Redmi 8 meets the following key requirements:

• 📱 Android version: 9.0 Pie or 10 (MIUI 11/12). Android. 11+ The methods may not work due to changes in the core.
• 🔓 bootloader status: Unlocked (default blocked). You can check by the command fastboot oem device-info - look for the line Device unlocked: true.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 70% interruption due to discharge = 90% chance of "bricking».
• 💻 Computer: Windows 10/11 (for Linux/Mac You'll need additional drivers. Disable the antivirus, it can block it. ADB.

If the bootloader is locked, it will have to be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool, which takes between 72 hours and 7 days (depending on Xiaomi policy), and requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the Redmi 8 "hands-on," check if it's been previously unlocked.Re-unblocking through the Mi Unlock Tool can result in a Mi Account being blocked for 30 days.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Official unlocking is a must. Xiaomi made it more difficult in 2023, so keep an eye out for the current requirements:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and enable Data Sync and Find Device options. Without that, the Mi Unlock Tool won’t see your Redmi 8.

Now download the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30) and follow the instructions:

1. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.


2. Log in to the Mi Account linked to the phone.




3. Transfer Redmi 8 to Fastboot mode:




- Turn off the phone.




- Press the power + Volume down for 10 seconds.




4 Connect your phone to your PC – the “Unlock” button will appear in the Mi Unlock Tool.




5.Push it and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 seconds).




6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows the error "Couldn't unlock. Try again after 72 hours", do not try to circumvent the restriction by changing the date on the PC. Xiaomi blocks accounts for such manipulation.

Linked to Mi Account on phone|Debugging is on. USB and unlock OEM|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Download the official Mi Unlock Tool|Battery charge >70%-->

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) which allows you to flash files to obtain root rights. For Redmi 8 (olive), use the official TWRP build 3.7.0 or later.

Download two files:

• 📁 Official img file TWRP olive.
• 📁 Patch for encryption (if you use it) PIN/password).

Installation instructions:

1 Move the downloaded file TWRP (e.g., twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img) to the folder with ADB (typically C:\platform-tools).


2. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + right mouse button → "Open PowerShell window here").




3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (as in the previous section).




4. Enter a command to check the connection:




fastboot devices




(Serial phone number should be displayed).




5.Skip TWRP temporarily (without writing to the recovery section):




fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img




6. After downloading to TWRP, select "Keep Read Only" (if it requests a password, enter your PIN).

If TWRP is successful, move on to the next step, and if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, you've either stitched the wrong version of TWRP or you haven't taken into account the encryption.

• 🔄 Reboot to Fastboot and repeat the command fastboot boot.
• 🔧 If the error is repeated, download the unofficial assembly. TWRP Encryption-enabled (see for the XDA Developers).

4. Obtaining Root Rights through Magisk

Magisk is the most reliable way to get a root on Redmi 8 without losing the ability to upgrade via OTA. The last stable version at 2026 is Magisk 26.4.

Download:

• 📁 Magisk ZIP (slice TWRP).
• 📱 Magisk APK (for managing root rights after installation).

Step-by-step installation:

1. Copy the Magisk-v26.4.zip file into the phone’s internal memory (via MTP to TWRP).


2. In TWRP, click "Install" → select Magisk ZIP → swipe for confirmation.




3. After installation, press "Reboot System".




4. Install Magisk APK as a regular application.




5. Open Magisk, wait for the setup to be completed and restart the phone.

Check for root rights using the Root Checker app or a command in the terminal:

su

If requests from Magisk appear, the root is installed successfully.

💡

If Google Pay or banking applications stop working after obtaining the root license, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk. XDA Developers.

5. Alternative methods: SuperSU and KingRoot

If Magisk is not suitable for some reason, alternatives may be considered, but there are significant disadvantages:

• 🛡️ SuperSU: Outdated method, does not support Android 10+. May cause a hang on the Redmi 8 due to conflict with the MIUI.
• 👑 KingRoot: Does not require unlocking the bootloader, but installs the root through exploits, which is unstable and dangerous for security.

Instructions for SuperSU (only for Android 9 Pie):

1. Download SuperSU ZIP (version 2.82).
2. Sweat through TWRP (similar to Magisk).
3. Install APK SuperSU from the Play Market.

⚠️ Note: After installing SuperSU, update your phone via OTA It's not going to be possible, you're going to have to manually stitch custom firmware, and it's not going to pass SafetyNet, which is blocking the banking applications.

KingRoot (not recommended):

1. Download KingRoot APK (version 5.3.7).
2. Install it on your phone, turn on Unknown sources.
3. Launch the app and click Try to Root.

The result can be unpredictable, from a successful root to a bootloop, and in 30 percent of cases KingRoot installs malware or adware.

💡

Magisk is the only method supported by the XDA Developers community and regularly updated. Alternatives (SuperSU, KingRoot) are only suitable for experiments or older versions of Android.

6.What to do after obtaining a root license

Now you have full control of the Redmi 8, but with a lot of power comes a lot of responsibility.

• 🔄 Create a full backup: In TWRP Select Backup and save Boot, System, Data partitions, which will save your data when you crash.
• 🧹 Remove Bloatware: Use Titanium Backup or Debloater to remove Mi system applications (e.g. com.miui.analytics).
• ⚡ Optimize performance: Install Magisk modules such as FDE.AI (for improved autonomy) or Kernelsu (for fine-tuning the core).
• 🛡️ Protect yourself from threats: Ruth opens access to system files, so install AFWall+ to control network traffic of applications.

Beware of common mistakes:

• ❌ Do not remove system applications associated with MIUI (For example, com.android.settings will cause the system to collapse.
• ❌ Do not change files in /system without a backup – even a typo in build.prop can make your phone inoperable.
• ❌ Do not install Magisk modules from unknown developers – many contain malware.

7. Troubleshooting: Frequent errors and decisions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If your phone has turned into a brick (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons), try disaster recovery:

1. Download the stock firmware for Redmi 8 (olive).
2. Unpack. ZIP-file and find the file flash_all.bat.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and launch flash_all.bat.

This will return the phone to the factory settings, but will keep the unlocked bootloader.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)